Narrative Text: Pengertian, Jenis, Ciri-ciri, Generic Structure dan Contohnya

Narrative text ialah salah satu jenis teks bahasa inggris yang banyak ditemui dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Jenis teks ini sering kali digunakan untuk menghibur, menginspirasi, atau menyampaikan pesan moral kepada pembaca.

Dengan mempelajari narrative text, kamu bisa memperkaya kosakata yang beragam, baik kata benda, kata kerja, kata sifat, maupun kata keterangan. Bersama SUN Education, ayo kita pelajari lebih lanjut soal narrative text.

Apa Itu Narrative Text

Narrative text adalah teks yang menceritakan serangkaian kejadian dalam urutan waktu yang berurutan mulai dari masalah hingga solusinya. Teks bahasa Inggris ini biasanya disampaikan dalam bentuk cerita dengan alur cerita yang jelas dan terstruktur.

Tujuan Narrative Text

Tujuan utama dari pembuatan narrative text adalah untuk membagikan pengalaman tertentu kepada pembaca. Dibandingkan dengan expository text yang cenderung padat informasi, narrative text mengemas informasi ke dalam cerita yang runut dan mengalir.

Generic Structure of Narrative Text

Generic Structure of Narrative Text terdiri dari empat bagian utama, yaitu Orientation, Complication, Sequence of Events dan Resolution. Ibarat sebuah rumah, orientation menjadi pondasi awal, complication menjadi tiang penyangga, sequence of event menjadi tembok dan resolution menjadi atap pelindung yang menaungi keseluruhan cerita. Keempat bagian struktur narrative text ini saling terkait dan tidak dapat dipisahkan satu sama lain.

Orientation (Pengenalan Tokoh)

Orientasi merupakan pembuka sekaligus pondasi sebuah narrative text, berfungsi sebagai pembuka cerita yang memperkenalkan tokoh utama, latar tempat dan waktu terjadinya peristiwa, serta situasi awal yang melatari cerita. Pembaca akan mulai membangun imajinasi dan menjalin koneksi dengan dunia yang diciptakan penulis.

• Contoh Orientation Narrative Text Deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, where ancient trees stretched their gnarled branches towards the heavens, a team of intrepid explorers embarked on a journey that would test the limits of human endurance. Led by the renowned anthropologist, Dr. Emily Wilkins, their mission was to uncover the secrets of a long-lost civilization rumored to have inhabited these verdant depths.

Complication (Munculnya Masalah)

Setelah mengenal latar belakang karakter utama, kamu harus membuat masalah, konflik, dilema atau tantangan yang dihadapi sang tokoh. Buatlah masalah tersebut sekompleks mungkin agar perkembangan alur cerita semakin baik dan menciptakan ketegangan suasana untuk menarik pembaca.

• Contoh Complication Narrative Text As they ventured deeper into the dense foliage, the air grew thick with humidity, and the cacophony of exotic creatures became their constant companion. Every step was a battle against the relentless onslaught of vines and thorns that seemed determined to impede their progress. Yet, fueled by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, they pressed on, driven by the tantalizing promise of an extraordinary discovery.

Sequence of Events (Proses Penyelesaian Masalah)

Pada bagian narrative text ini, akan berisi rangkaian peristiwa yang terjadi sebagai akibat dari komplikasi atau masalah yang telah diperkenalkan sebelumnya. Urutan kejadian ini dapat disajikan secara kronologis atau dengan teknik kilas balik (flashback) maupun kilas depan (foreshadowing).

• Contoh Sequence of Events Narrative Text: Days turned into weeks as they navigated treacherous terrain, fording raging rivers, and scaling precipitous cliffs. The team's supplies dwindled, and their physical reserves were pushed to the brink, but their unwavering determination never faltered. Then, just when they thought their quest might be in vain, they stumbled upon a crumbling stone structure half-buried in the undergrowth – the first tangible evidence of the elusive civilization they sought.

Resolution (Penyelesaian Masalah)

Resolusi pada narrative text merupakan bagian akhir dari sebuah teks naratif. Pada bagian ini, pengarang memberikan penyelesaian atau solusi atas konflik yang terjadi dalam cerita. Resolusi dapat berupa akhir yang bahagia (happy ending) maupun akhir yang tragis (sad ending), tergantung pada jenis cerita yang ditulis.

• Contoh Resolution Narrative Text With renewed vigor, they meticulously excavated the site, unearthing artifacts that revealed a culture rich in tradition and advanced beyond their wildest imaginings. Stone carvings depicted intricate rituals and a deep reverence for the natural world, while intricately woven textiles hinted at a sophistication rivaling that of the greatest ancient empires.

Re-Orientation (Penutup/Ending)

Pada pembuatan narrative text, struktur ini bersifat opsional dan berfungsi untuk memberikan komentar atau pernyataan penutup. Biasanya menggambarkan situasi akhir setelah resolusi tercapai. Bagian juga bisa berisi pembelajaran atau pesan moral yang ingin disampaikan.

• Contoh Re-Orientation Narrative Text As they emerged from the depths of the rainforest, each member of the team carried with them a profound sense of awe and humility. They had witnessed firsthand the resilience of human spirit and the enduring legacy of a people who had thrived in harmony with nature. And though their bodies were weary from the arduous journey, their minds were alight with the knowledge that they had forever etched their names in the annals of human discovery.

Jenis Narrative Text

Narrative text mempunyai 2 jenis utama yaitu fiksi dan non fiksi. Untuk yang fiksi biasanya menceritakan cerita karangan yang berisi fantasi tidak nyata. Sedangkan untuk non fiksi menjelaskan mengenai kejadian yang memang pernah terjadi di dunia nyata. Berikut beberapa jenis narrative text fiksi dan non-fiksi.

Fiksi	Non-Fiksi
Fable	Autobiografi
Myth & Legends	Peristiwa Sejarah
Folklore	Laporan Perjalanan
Fairy Tales	Pengalaman Pribadi

Ciri-Ciri Narrative Text Bahasa Inggris

Selain struktur yang jelas, narrative text bahasa Inggris juga memiliki ciri-ciri khusus. Berikut ciri-ciri dari narrative text secara umum.

Menggunakan Kata Ganti Orang Ketiga

Narrative text biasanya ditulis dengan menggunakan kata ganti orang ketiga seperti he, she, it, dan they. Ini dilakukan untuk menceritakan kejadian atau peristiwa dari sudut pandang orang ketiga.

Menggunakan Kalimat Past Tense

Karena menceritakan serangkaian peristiwa yang telah terjadi di masa lalu, maka kalimat-kalimat dalam narrative text ditulis dalam bentuk past tense (waktu lampau).

Adanya Tokoh dan Karakter

Dalam narrative text biasanya terdapat tokoh-tokoh yang memiliki karakter tertentu. Karakter-karakter dalam cerita diberikan deskripsi yang detail, termasuk sifat, kepribadian, dan motivasi mereka dalam bertindak. Tokoh-tokoh ini berperan penting dalam menggerakkan alur cerita.

Adanya Konflik atau Masalah

Sebuah Narrative text tidak lengkap tanpa adanya konflik atau masalah yang dihadapi oleh pemeran di dalamnya. Konflik ini dapat berupa pertentangan antara tokoh-tokoh, perjuangan internal tokoh utama, atau masalah eksternal yang harus diatasi. Penyelesaian konflik ini biasanya memberikan pembelajaran atau pesan moral kepada pembaca.

Adanya Alur Cerita/Plot

Narrative text memiliki alur cerita atau plot yang jelas, dimulai dari pengenalan (orientasi), kemudian konflik (komplikasi), dan diakhiri dengan penyelesaian (resolusi).

Menggunakan Preposition of Time and Place

Untuk menghubungkan peristiwa-peristiwa dalam cerita, teks naratif sering menggunakan kata penghubung waktu seperti once, then, after that, finally, dan lain-lain. Biasanya juga menggambarkan tempat dan waktu di mana cerita berlangsung dengan detail yang cukup, sehingga pembaca dapat membayangkan lingkungan dan suasana yang ada dalam cerita.

Menggunakan Action Verb

Dalam menceritakan serangkaian peristiwa, Narrative text sering menggunakan kata kerja aksi seperti walked, ran, jumped, dan sebagainya untuk menggambarkan tindakan yang dilakukan oleh tokoh-tokoh.

Mengandung Nilai Moral atau Pelajaran

Seringkali, teks naratif mengandung nilai moral atau pelajaran yang dapat diambil oleh pembaca dari cerita yang disajikan.

Contoh Narrative Text Pendek (Fabel, Dongeng, Folktale) 

Contoh Narrative Text Fable

The Uncoiling Trust: A Tale of the Snake, the Farmer, and the Heron

The sun beat down mercilessly on the dusty plains, baking the earth and turning the air thick with heat. A weary farmer, his brow creased with worry, trudged through his fields. His crops, once a vibrant tapestry of green, now wilted under the unrelenting sun. Despair gnawed at his heart – a meager harvest meant a hungry winter.

Suddenly, a slithering movement caught his eye. A serpent, its scales shimmering an emerald green, coiled menacingly amongst his dying crops. Panic seized the farmer. Snakes were a common sight on these parched lands, but this one, larger than any he’d encountered, radiated a primal danger.

Just as the farmer braced himself for the inevitable strike, the snake darted towards a nearby thicket, a flurry of feathers marking its retreat. Relief washed over the farmer, but it was short-lived. A shadow stretched across the parched ground. A heron, its majestic wings tipped with black, stood proudly, a half-digested snake dangling from its elongated beak.

The farmer, recognizing his savior, approached the heron cautiously. "Thank you, noble bird," he said, his voice hoarse. "You have saved my fields from further devastation."

The heron tilted its head, its intelligent eyes seeming to pierce the farmer's soul. To his astonishment, the heron gently nudged the limp snake towards him. "Take care of this one," the heron cawed in a voice that seemed to echo from the depths of the marsh. "It holds the key to your troubles."

Bewildered but grateful, the farmer scooped up the lifeless snake and rushed home. He consulted with his wife, a woman of quiet wisdom. Together, they examined the deceased serpent, searching for a hidden message within its coils. Finally, the wife noticed a small pouch sewn onto the snake's underside. Inside, they found a cache of precious stones, glistening with an otherworldly light.

With these newfound riches, the farmer was able to buy water for his crops, ensuring a bountiful harvest. He built a sturdier home for his family and shared his good fortune with his neighbors. The once-desolate fields bloomed anew, a testament to the heron's unexpected gift.

Years later, a drought once again gripped the land. The farmer, remembering the heron's cryptic words, ventured out to the marsh. There, perched on a lone tree branch, he found the majestic bird, its feathers ruffled by the relentless wind.

"You have used the gift wisely," the heron rumbled. "But remember, trust, like water, flows ever onwards. It may not always return to its source, but its impact ripples far and wide."

The farmer bowed his head in understanding. The heron's cryptic message transformed into a profound truth. The heron's act of kindness, though seemingly small, had not only saved his crops but had set him on a path of prosperity. The farmer, in turn, would use his good fortune to help others, ensuring the wellspring of generosity continued to flow. The tale of the snake, the farmer, and the heron became a cherished legend, a reminder that even in the harshest of environments, trust and kindness could blossom, nourishing life in ways both expected and unexpected.

Contoh Narrative Text Dongeng

The Feline Fencer: A Swashbuckling Tale of Puss in Boots In the sun-drenched realm of San Ricardo, where terracotta roofs shimmered under a cerulean sky, resided a cunning feline named Puss in Boots. Donning a dashing hat and swashbuckling attire, Puss wasn't your average alley cat. Armed with a rapier wit and a blade as sharp as his emerald eyes, he was a legend whispered amongst taverns and bustling marketplaces – a swashbuckling hero forever chasing his next adventure. Born with a thirst for excitement, Puss hailed from a humble litter, yearning for a life beyond the confines of his sleepy village. Legends spoke of magic beans, capable of sprouting a colossal beanstalk that led to a land overflowing with riches – a land known as the Cloud Giants' Castle. With a mischievous glint in his eye and a purr that could melt the frostiest heart, Puss set off in pursuit of these fabled beans. His journey led him to the bustling town of Agua Fria, a haven for outlaws and dreamers alike. There, amidst the cacophony of the marketplace, Puss crossed paths with the notorious criminals, Jack and Jill. Renowned for their devious schemes, they possessed the very magic beans Puss craved. But retrieving them wouldn't be a walk in the park. Jack and Jill were as cunning as they were cruel, guarding their treasure with a hawk-like vigilance. Undeterred, Puss devised a plan as audacious as his personality. With a wink and a purr, he strolled into their tavern, his charm turned to high gear. Spinning a yarn about a wealthy hacienda yearning for a guard cat, Puss beguiled Jack and Jill, convincing them of his exceptional skills. Blinded by the promise of riches, they entrusted him with their prized beans. But Puss wasn't one for deception. He possessed a feline code of honor, albeit a slightly flexible one. Once out of their sight, he revealed his true intentions, brandishing his rapier with a flourish. A thrilling chase ensued, rooftops becoming his battlefield as he outsmarted Jack and Jill, securing the magic beans for himself. With the beans clutched in his paw, Puss embarked on a daring trek. He planted them in a fertile patch of earth, and under the watchful gaze of a full moon, the beanstalk erupted, reaching majestically towards the heavens. Undeterred by the perilous climb, Puss ascended the beanstalk, his heart pounding with anticipation. Atop the beanstalk lay the Cloud Giants' Castle, a land overflowing with treasures guarded by a dimwitted giant named Blunderbore. Using his signature charm and a dash of feline cunning, Puss outsmarted the giant, acquiring not only a golden goose that laid eggs of pure gold, but also the heart of a beautiful feline named Kitty Softpaws, a worthy match for his wit and swordsmanship. Their escape, however, was far from smooth. Blunderbore, alerted to the theft, chased them down the beanstalk in a rage. With the fate of San Ricardo hanging in the balance, Puss and Kitty, along with the golden goose, reached the bottom just as Blunderbore attempted to follow. With a well-placed swing of his blade, Puss severed the beanstalk, sending the giant plummeting back to his cloud kingdom, the beanstalk withering away in its wake. Returning to San Ricardo a hero, Puss used the golden goose's eggs to alleviate poverty and improve the lives of the townsfolk. Yet, for Puss, the greatest reward was the companionship of Kitty Softpaws. Together, they became legends, their adventures echoing through the ages, a testament to the power of wit, bravery, and a feline's unwavering thirst for excitement. Even today, the whispers of "Puss in Boots" linger in the warm air of San Ricardo, a reminder that even the smallest creature can achieve greatness with a dash of cunning and a whole lot of heart.

Contoh Narrative Text Folktale

The Legend of Tangkuban Perahu: A Tale of Love, Loss, and a Mountain Born of Sorrow

High atop the verdant slopes of West Java, shrouded in wispy mist, lies Mount Tangkuban Perahu – a behemoth slumbering in the form of an overturned boat. Legend whispers of a bygone era, a time etched with love, betrayal, and a monumental feat that shaped the very landscape. This is the tale of Sangkuriang, a name forever entwined with the majestic Tangkuban Perahu.

In the cradle of time, nestled amidst emerald rice paddies, resided a radiant woman named Dayang Sumbi. Renowned for her beauty and grace, she lived a solitary life, her only companion a loyal weaving loom. One fateful day, while crafting a tapestry, a golden needle slipped from her grasp and tumbled down a hidden well. In a moment of desperation, Dayang Sumbi uttered a fervent vow: whosoever retrieved the needle would become her husband.

As fate would have it, a handsome prince overheard the proclamation and, captivated by Dayang Sumbi's ethereal beauty, volunteered to retrieve the needle. He descended into the cool depths, emerging moments later with the gleaming needle clutched in his hand. True to her word, Dayang Sumbi accepted him as her spouse. However, their wedded bliss was short-lived. Due to a mischievous curse, the prince transformed into a loyal canine named Tumang, his human form forever lost.

Years melted into decades. Dayang Sumbi raised a son, a strong and valiant youth named Sangkuriang. Tumang, ever by his side, served as his protector and confidant. One day, Dayang Sumbi sent Sangkuriang on a hunting expedition, requesting the heart of a deer as a delicacy. After days of fruitless searching, Sangkuriang returned empty-handed, fearing his mother's wrath. Unbeknownst to him, fate was weaving a cruel tapestry.

Driven by desperation, Sangkuriang ventured far from his home, his journey leading him to a breathtaking vista – a land he vaguely recognized, yet couldn't place. There, he encountered a stunning woman, her features mirroring his own in an uncanny way. It was Dayang Sumbi, her youthful beauty restored by time. Unaware of their tragic past, a spark ignited between them, blossoming into a love as pure as the mountain air.

A grand wedding was planned. Yet, on the eve of the ceremony, Dayang Sumbi requested an impossible task – the creation of a colossal lake before sunrise. Sangkuriang, fueled by love, embarked on a monumental feat. With Tumang, his loyal canine companion, by his side, he carved the earth, channeling nearby rivers to form a vast lake.

As dawn approached, painting the sky with hues of gold and crimson, Sangkuriang realized the enormity of his error. The woman he loved was none other than Dayang Sumbi, his own mother. The revelation struck him like a bolt of lightning. Grief and despair choked him. In a fit of rage, he kicked the partially completed lake, sending a colossal wave crashing towards Dayang Sumbi. But Tumang, with an agility born of their deep bond, intercepted the wave, pushing it back and sacrificing himself.

The earth rumbled with a deafening roar. In a scene of utter chaos, the wave solidified, forming an inverted boat – Mount Tangkuban Perahu. Dayang Sumbi, heartbroken and filled with remorse, retreated to the mountain's peak, forever shrouded in mist. Sangkuriang, consumed by his tragic love, vanished without a trace. And so, the legend of Tangkuban Perahu was born, a constant reminder of a love that defied boundaries, a loyal companion's sacrifice, and a mother's eternal sorrow.

Even today, the silhouette of Tangkuban Perahu, a majestic monument to a bygone era, stands as a testament to the enduring power of love, loss, and the unwavering bond between a man and his dog.

Contoh Narrative Text Legend

The Once and Future King, Arthur Pendragon In the mist-shrouded realm of ancient Britain, where rolling hills gave way to densely wooded glens and rugged peaks scraped the heavens, there lived a boy whose destiny would echo through the ages. Born of a forbidden love between the valiant warlord Uther Pendragon and the fair Igraine, the young Arthur was spirited away at birth, his lineage concealed to protect him from those who would seek to extinguish the flame of his royal bloodline. Yet, the wheels of fate would not be stilled. As the High King Uther drew his last breath, a rift tore through the land, shattering the fragile peace that had reigned under his mighty sword. Without an heir to unite the warring factions, Britain descended into chaos, her people ravaged by the ceaseless bloodshed of rival warlords vying for supremacy.

It was in this tumultuous crucible that the young Arthur came of age, his formidable strength and unwavering courage forged in the fires of adversity. Guided by the enigmatic wizard Merlin, Arthur embarked on a perilous quest to claim his birthright – the legendary sword Excalibur, embedded in an unassuming anvil atop a windswept hill.

With a single, thunderous blow, Arthur sundered the sword from its stony sheath, and in that moment, his destiny was sealed. Rallying the noble knights of the realm to his side, he founded the illustrious Round Table, a brotherhood of chivalry and honor that would forever enshrine his name in the annals of history.

Through a reign marked by both glorious triumphs and heart-rending tragedies, Arthur became the embodiment of a true sovereign, his exploits echoing through the ages as a beacon of hope and inspiration. And though his kingdom ultimately crumbled under the weight of betrayal and the inexorable march of time, his legacy endured, a shining example of the heights to which humanity can aspire when guided by a noble heart and an unwavering spirit.

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